This unit of study aims to teach students analysis and design techniques for electronic systems such as signal amplifiers, differential amplifiers and power amplifiers. A background in basic electronics and circuit theory is assumed. Completion of this unit will allow progression to advanced studies or to work in electronics and telecommunication engineering.

Topics covered are as follows. The BJT as an amplifier. Biasing in BJT amplifier circuits. Small signal operation and models. Single stage BJT amplifiers. BJT internal capacitances and high frequency models. The frequency response of the common-emitter amplifier. BJT current sources and current mirrors. Differential amplifiers. Output stages and power amplifiers:class A, class B and class AB.

Tutorial: Informal small tutorial groups where students work on circuit problems. Students learn and practice how to analyze circuits and devices.

Laboratory: Laboratory sessions where students learn about electronics. Practical instruction of electronics is vital to understanding circuits and developing problem solving skills.

Independent Study: Several assignments based on circuit design and simulation to be completed outside laboratory and tutorial time.

Attributes listed here represent the key course goals (see Course Map tab) designated for this unit.
The list below describes how these attributes are developed through practice in the unit.
See Learning Outcomes and Assessment tabs for details of how these attributes are assessed.

Attribute Development Method

Attribute Developed

Extensive design and analysis work is done in tutorials and laboratory.

Learning outcomes are the key abilities and knowledge that will be assessed in this unit.
They are listed according to the course goal supported by each.
See Assessment Tab for details how each outcome is assessed.

3. Ability to use basic circuit building blocks to create more advanced circuits within the scope and to the extent of the information presented.

4. Ability to demonstrate an understanding of operational amplifiers and their internal devices, including BJT and CMOS transistors, DC biasing techniques and small signal modelling.

5. Capacity to apply specific principles and techniques to SPICE circuit simulation using a variety of different software packages from leading industry vendors to the extent of the material presented.

6. Ability to determine the stability of feedback amplifiers and their steady state performance.

8. Ability to instigate inquiry to extend the knowledge and awareness of supplementary techniques, concepts and materials using varied resources and media formats within the context of the projects and problems investigated.

Lab Report: Each student must use a bound notebook to record lab experiments. These are marked by lab staff in each tutorial session.

Participation: Class participation in tutorials and laboratory.

Assignment: Continuing tutorial work.

Final Exam: All subject matter in the course is examinable in this exam including laboratory, tutorial and assignment work.

Assessment Feedback:

Feedback on assessment tasks will be provided within 1 week of the due date, apart from the final exam. General feedback will also be given in lectures and individual feedback in tutorials and laboratories.

Grading:

Grade Type

Description

Standards Based Assessment

Final grades in this unit are awarded at levels of HD for High Distinction, DI (previously D) for Distinction, CR for Credit, PS (previously P) for Pass and FA (previously F) for Fail as defined by University of Sydney Assessment Policy. Details of the Assessment Policy are available on the Policies website at http://sydney.edu.au/policies . Standards for grades in individual assessment tasks and the summative method for obtaining a final mark in the unit will be set out in a marking guide supplied by the unit coordinator.

These goals are selected from Engineering & IT Graduate Outcomes Table which defines overall goals for courses where this unit is primarily offered. See Engineering & IT Graduate Outcomes Table for details of the attributes and levels to be developed in the course as a whole.
Percentage figures alongside each course goal provide a rough indication of their relative weighting in assessment for this unit. Note that not all goals are necessarily part of assessment. Some may be more about practice activity. See Learning outcomes for details of what is assessed in relation to each goal and Assessment for details of how the outcome is assessed. See Attributes for details of practice provided for each goal.